A Soldier’s Silent Night.

The original version was written by Lance Corporal James M. Schmidt in 1987 under the title “Merry Christmas, My Friend.”

The audio recording of this adapted version was recorded by Father Ted Berndt and his daughter Ellen Stout. Father Berndt was a priest at Bread of Life Charismatic Episcopal Church in Dousman, Wisconsin, a proud Marine, and a WWII Purple Heart recipient.

The poem was recorded in one take. The recording received a national A.I.R. (Achievement in Radio) award from the March of Dimes and continues to be played in radio stations across the country.

Father Berndt passed away on March 19th, 2004 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. According to his daughter, “All he ever wanted to do was touch lives…to make a difference.

As the holiday season approaches, let’s all take a moment to say a prayer for the brave men and women who protect us and our freedoms.